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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued a fresh flood alert as intensified monsoon rains continue to push water levels higher in major rivers, raising concerns over flooding in several parts of the country. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said river flows are expected to increase significantly between August 2 and 4, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas and remain alert to changing weather conditions. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high flooding has been observed in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while Nullah Palkhu near Wazirabad is experiencing medium-level flooding. The Indus River is currently witnessing low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur, while similar conditions have been reported at Head Nari on the Nari River. The NDMA warned that the Chenab River is likely to experience high water flows at Marala, with low to medium flooding anticipated at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels are also expected to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries as monsoon activity intensifies. Officials cautioned that streams connected to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could swell to medium or high levels. Meanwhile, water flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will largely depend on releases from reservoirs across the border. The authority also expressed concern over the possibility of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan. In addition, urban flooding and waterlogging remain a serious threat in several cities, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh due to continued heavy rainfall. The NDMA advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, monitor weather updates before travelling, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. It also encouraged the public to use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for real-time weather warnings and emergency information. Separately, the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its 10th consecutive daily review meeting to assess the country’s monsoon situation. The meeting, chaired virtually by Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal, brought together federal ministries, provincial governments, disaster management authorities and senior administrative officials. During the briefing, the NDMA presented the latest updates on weather conditions, casualties, infrastructure damage, rescue operations and rehabilitation efforts. Officials informed the committee that deputy commissioners in all high-risk districts had already been directed to remain fully prepared for any emergency. The committee was told that recent heavy rains had caused flooding in multiple regions, with coordinated rescue and relief operations continuing through federal, provincial and district authorities. Weather experts also forecast more rainfall across northern and central Pakistan in the coming days, while isolated showers are expected in southeastern Sindh. The NDMA highlighted that relief activities are being carried out with the support of both national and international humanitarian organisations. Officials further noted that most monsoon-related fatalities this season resulted from the collapse of unsafe and poorly constructed buildings, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations and greater public awareness. The ERC commended the efforts of government institutions, provincial administrations, district authorities, the armed forces and rescue teams for their ongoing response. It directed all relevant departments to strengthen coordination, maintain maximum preparedness, accelerate relief and rehabilitation work, and take preventive measures to minimise the impact of future weather emergencies.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court ( LHC) has overturned the life imprisonment sentence of a man convicted of murdering his wife, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh issued a detailed 19-page written judgment, allowing the appeal filed by the convict, Tanveer, and ordering his immediate release. According to the verdict, Tanveer maintained that he was on duty at a petrol station at the time of the incident and denied any involvement in the killing of his wife. The court observed that the prosecution had failed to produce reliable and convincing evidence to support the allegations against him. The judgment concluded that the available evidence was insufficient to sustain the conviction, leading the court to set aside the trial court’s decision and acquit the appellant. Tanveer had been sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022 by a trial court after being found guilty of his wife’s murder. In addition to the prison term, he was fined Rs400,000. He later challenged the conviction before the Lahore High Court, which has now ruled in his favor.

LAHORE: The deaths of two young women in police custody have raised fresh questions after their autopsy reports revealed black spots on their lungs and blood clots in their hearts, while failing to find visible signs of physical assault or torture. The two women, identified as Amina and Anmol, died while in the custody of Lahore’s Township police. According to sources, their post-mortem examinations found no external injuries or marks suggesting physical violence. Samples of their blood and internal organs have now been sent for histopathological testing, which is expected to help establish the final cause of death. The autopsies were conducted two days after the deaths and the reports were finalised after the medical board reached a consensus. Doctors found the women’s livers, kidneys and stomachs to be in normal condition, while black spots were observed on both sets of lungs and clots were detected in their hearts. The findings have not yet provided a definitive explanation for the deaths. Authorities are waiting for the histopathology results before determining the final cause. The families of the deceased have meanwhile called for an independent and transparent investigation. Tajamul Hussain, the father of one of the women, rejected the police version that the deaths were linked to a medical condition. He questioned how both women could have suffered fatal heart problems while in custody and alleged that they were killed. Police have denied the allegations. SSP Investigation Naveed Ahmed said the women had previous criminal records and were arrested after a passerby contacted Police Emergency 15 and reported that they had allegedly snatched an earring. The officer also claimed that the women used drugs but firmly rejected allegations that they were tortured or mistreated during their detention. With the histopathology reports still awaited, the investigation is expected to focus on the women’s medical condition, their treatment while in custody and the circumstances leading up to their deaths.